Govt to introduce Play, STEM Labs in primary education: Bobby Hajjaj
Referring to BRAC's Play Lab and STEM Lab models, the government is currently reviewing these models, he says.
Highlights:
- Govt reviewing BRAC's Play Lab and STEM Lab models
- Pilot STEM Labs to launch in hundreds of govt primary schools
- STEM Labs may expand to all 65,000 govt primary schools
- English, Bangla-medium schools and madrasahs to follow common standards
Primary and Mass Education State Minister Bobby Hajjaj today (13 July) announced plans to introduce Play and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) labs across Bangladesh to foster children's interest in STEM education from the primary level.
The state minister made the remarks while speaking at the 'Sustaining Play, Learning and Skills in Humanitarian Contexts (SPLASH)' event organised by BRAC and the LEGO Foundation at the Sonargaon Hotel in the capital.
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Referring to BRAC's Play Lab and STEM Lab models, he said the government is currently reviewing these models.
"A pilot project is expected to be launched in several hundred government primary schools in the near future. If successful, the initiative will be expanded in phases to approximately 65,000 government primary schools nationwide. The government will also consider making similar labs mandatory in private primary schools and other educational institutions," the state minister added.
He also said there is no alternative to STEM-based education if Bangladesh is to develop the skilled workforce needed for the future.
"If an effective model is identified, the government intends to gradually establish STEM Labs in all primary schools across the country," he added.
Bobby Hajjaj said that according to the government's education standards, nearly 50% of class 5 students are currently failing to achieve the expected level of proficiency in their mother tongue.
According to him, the performance in mathematics is even lower, while English proficiency remains weaker still. Given this reality, he said, significant reforms are needed in primary education.
He added that the government aims to establish an education system in which all institutions meet the same minimum standards, regardless of their educational stream.
"English-medium and Bangla-medium schools, government and private institutions, Ebtedayi, Qawmi and Hifzi madrasahs will all be required to meet common minimum standards for teachers, curriculum, infrastructure and student learning outcomes," the state minister added.
